Savages win dual against Tigers Lamar improves dual record to 11-3

Ledger Staff ReportThe Lamar Ledger

Posted:
02/07/2013 12:01:35 PM MST

Lamar High School's Kaleb Hansen works on Holly's Christian Orozco during the 126-pound championship match in the Eads Invitational wrestling tournament held Feb. 2. Hansen won by a 10-4 decision.
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The Lamar High School wrestling team made a trip to La Junta on Tuesday, Feb. 5 for a dual with the archrival Tigers.

The Savages won eight of the 11 matches that were contested to win the showdown, 38-31.

With the win, Lamar raised its dual record to an impressive 11-3 for the season.

Lamar gave up forfeits at 160, 220 and 285, but won matches at 106, 113, 120, 126, 138, 170, 182, and 195.

"We forfeited three weights and started out in kind of hole," said Lamar head coach Greg Eddy. "We knew we had to win some close matches and our kids were able to do that except for one."

The Savages registered pins by Michael Johnson at 113, Kaleb Hansen at 126, Colin Mahanay at 170, and Kyle Hicks at 182.

Jesse Shelton and Tanner Crist picked up wins by major decision at 106 and 195 while Evan Reed won a one-point decision at 120 and Draven Adame claimed a two-point decision at 138.

"Evan came from behind to win his match, 7-6," said Eddy. "Draven wrestled a close match and needed a win there. We knew Jesse would have a tough match after that kid had beaten him twice last year. For him to win by a major decision was a good match for him."

The Savages varsity team will close out the season with a dual against the Florence Huskies at 1 p.m. in the Tri-Peaks League Cross Division Dual to be held at Dolores Huerta High School on Saturday, Feb. 9.

Lamar and Florence squared off in a dual on Dec. 6 in Florence. The Huskies defeated the Savages, 39-24.

The dual featured several head-to-head matches against state-ranked wrestlers.

In the 11 matches that were wrestled, Lamar won five and Florence won six. The Huskies won by forfeits at 195 and 285 and there was no match at 145.

Coach Eddy said he's been pleased with his young varsity team that includes two juniors, seven sophomores, and three freshman.

"We've gotten better especially in the last few weeks," said the veteran coach. "That's what we want at this time in the year. We've got a young team, but they're gaining confidence."

Following the dual with Florence, Lamar will then turn their full attention to the Class 3A state-qualifying Central Region 3 Wrestling Tournament on Feb. 15-16 at Jefferson High School in Edgewater, Colo.